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Saturday, July 2, 2016

For the past year I have been working on my first book - The Chromebook Classroom. I'm excited to announce the launch of the book and provide readers of my blog an opportunity to download a free excerpt!

The Chromebook launched in 2009, and it was horrible! I was an early user of the first Chromebook, the CR-48. Google rapidly responded to user feedback and continued to improve the device.

Pretty much the entire tech industry thought Google was crazy for developing a new platform. No one thought much of the concept of a fully web-enabled device:

Today, Chromebooks are the #1 selling education device with more than 10 million devices currently in use in schools around the world. Chromebooks have outsold every other device...combined.

Just because a district, school, or classroom has Chromebooks does not mean that they are being used to their fullest potential. The Chromebook Classroom is aimed at helping teachers, district leaders, and IT professionals, deploy, manage, and use Chromebooks effectively.

The book is divided into three sections:

1. Getting Started with Chrome

Section one provides the "chrome story" and provides an overview of the hardware (track pad, special keys, etc) and software (Chrome browser, shelf, app launcher, etc). Section 1 also helps users transition from Mac, PC, or iPad to the Chrome platform.

2. Chromebook Management

Section two is specifically written for IT Directors and others responsible for the configuration and management of Chromebooks in an educational setting. The bulk of section 2 reviews the entire Google Admin Console and provides recommendations on every single hardware and user setting related to Chromebooks such as pushing out apps and extensions for students.

The second half of this section discusses various deployment tips and considerations such as Chromebook repair, insurance, cases, and how to build a culture of ownership among teachers and students. This section will be of particular interest to principals and superintendents.

3. Chromebook Lesson Ideas

The final section of the book is for classroom teachers and provides over 30 specific, concrete lesson ideas that take advantage of the collaborative and creative potential of Chromebooks. Specific lessons are given for elementary, middle, and high school age students.

Classroom management strategies are another major topic in section 3. You'll learn specific tips for using Chromebooks in a 1:1, shared, and station based setting.

Chromebooks are an expression of all that is great in education - creativity, organic exploration, and a thirst for knowledge. It is my hope that this book will serve as a helpful guide for the educators and administrators.

The Chromebook Classroom will be available in both Print and Kindle formats on Amazon starting in August of 2016. Discounted rates are available for districts who wish to order 50 or more copies. For information on bulk orders, contact me at jrsowash[at]sowashventures[dot]com.